Our Approach

Program & Policy Rationale

Discovery Early Learning & Care values the four foundations of How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.

In our relationships with each other we strive to consider the Foundations of the Ministry of Education’s pedagogical document including:

Program & Policy Rationale

Our Foundations

The Foundations present themselves in “Goals for Children” and “Expectations for Programs” and it is within each of these that we acknowledge what children, parents and Discovery Early Learning & Care teams deserve with regards to learning, growing, and caring for young children and ourselves:

Foundations

Goals for Children

Expectations for Programs

Belonging

Every child has a sense of belonging when he or she is connected to others and contributes to their world.

Early childhood programs cultivate authentic, caring relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults, and the world around them.

Engagement

Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses.

Early childhood programs provide environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative, and meaningful exploration, play, and inquiry.

Well-Being

Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being.

Early childhood programs nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self.

Expression

Every child is a capable communicator who expresses himself or herself in many ways.

Early childhood programs foster communication and expression in all forms.

Leadership Team

Tracy Saarikoski

BA, RECE, AECEO.C

Executive Director, Main Site

Lacey Carroll

BSc, RECE

Program Supervisor, Main Site

Tamara Taillefer

RECE

Program Supervisor, Holy Trinity Site

Jessica Carroll

.

Executive Administrator, Main Site

Christina Sitko

RECE

Program Supervisor, St. Paul Site

Tina Madore

RECE

Program Supervisor, St. John Site

Board of Directors 2024-2025

Discovery Early Learning & Care would like to thank parents/guardians, community members, staff and all other supporters for their commitment to the children in our community.

The Board of Directors is dedicated to the safe, professional, and growing practice of early childhood education and will continue to give a voice to those who are leaders in our daycares through trust, accountability and integrity.

We encourage a culture of continuously improving. As a commitment to creating a better working and operating environment we want you to connect with our Chair of the Board and express any comments, concerns and compliments

Email our Board of Directors Board Member Application Board Member Login

Alison Caruso

President/Chairperson

Alison’s B.A., B.Ed., and M.Ed. underpin her leadership on the Discovery Early Learning & Care Board of Directors. Her work as Manager of Recruitment, Cambrian College and many years with the Boys and Girls Club have fuelled her life-long commitment to nurturing healthy and productive futures for all. She is a Certified Lego Strategic Play Facilitator and values the knowledge, skills and passion of the early childhood educators who staff the Centre.

Alison and her partner feel fortunate to have their two young children receive excellent care and early learning experiences within the Discovery Early Learning & Care Centre.

Caroline Gordon

Vice Chair

Caroline is a geologist with the Ontario Geological Survey. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in earth science at the University of Waterloo. Originally from Markham, Ontario, Caroline moved to Sudbury in 2008. She is married with two kids, both of which are enrolled with Discovery Early Learning and Care. Caroline is excited to be a member of the board and looks forward to contributing to such a valuable organization.

Krystal Kant

Treasurer

Krystal is originally from Newfoundland where she studied at Memorial University, completing a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science with focus in Geophysics. She has worked in the mining and mineral exploration industry for 15 years which lead her to Sudbury in 2008, a place she now calls home. She is married with two daughters who are both fortunate to be enrolled with Discovery Early Learning and Care, and experience the remarkable care provided by the devoted staff and educators. Krystal is excited to be part of the Board and contribute to the already wonderful childcare community.

Heather Keaney

DIRECTOR

Heather Keaney is an experienced registered massage therapist who has operated her own private practice for the past seven years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University. Her children are currently enrolled at Discovery Early Learning and Care, where she appreciates the high level of care and dedication to their mission. Heather is excited about the opportunity to contribute positively to the future endeavors of this facility.

Kathryn Webb

Director

After attending Georgian College, Kathryn returned home to Sudbury and immersed herself in the legal sector. Kathryn and her fiance are proud parents of two children both of whom are enrolled at Discovery Early Learning and Care. She feels incredibly appreciative for the exceptional care and learning opportunities provided to her children by the educators and staff at Discovery. Kathryn is incredibly grateful to be a member of the Board and is excited for the opportunity to support our Early Childhood Education community and staff at the Centre.

Rachael Thom

Director

Rachael is first and foremost a mother. She attended University of British Columbia where she obtained a BA in Geography which was a small step towards an unexpected career path. Rachael and her partner Matthew returned to Ontario in 2021 after many years away in Yukon Territory, Alberta and British Columbia. It was out west where she began working and living with Indigenous communities supporting natural resource and heritage projects. The irreplaceable experiences shaped her career and who she is as a person. She is currently an Indigenous Relations Advisor for the Ministry of Natural Resources with a focus on land claim negotiations. Rachael is excited for the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given her so much.

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As a not-for-profit organization, Discovery Early Learning & Care is dedicated to enriching play, leadership, lifelong learning, and inclusion for children and families.

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