Families can register now to experience learning inspired by nature, play and movement at The Shops at Buffalo Run

The newest tenant to open their doors in The Shops at Buffalo Run is Wee Wild Ones, a unique child care facility dedicated to celebrating and advocating for inclusivity and sustainability. A much-anticipated addition to the community, Wee Wild Ones promises to provide exceptional childcare services for children ages 6 months to 6 years. An Opening Ceremony was recently held with their team at the new location with a blessing led by Tsuut'ina Nation Elder Charlie Crowchild, who was joined by community member Dave Meguinis. Wee Wild Ones is now welcoming families to tour the space and register for programs. Read on to explore this new addition to the community, and why the facility is a natural fit for Taza.

A Unique Approach to Child Care

As a child-guided, inquiry-based childcare provider, Wee Wild Ones believes in embracing the chaos of childhood and encouraging curiosity, exploration and expression. Inquiry-based learning is a unique practice that continues to grow in popularity for early childhood development. This teaching practice encourages children to use critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills solve problems, increasing their engagement with teachers and peers and making learning more fun.

Founder Chloe Dusser shares, “Our teaching philosophy allows children’s questions and interests to organically create individualized learning, ​​inspiring meaningful experiences and encouraging children to explore their ideas while engaging with others. We are committed to ensuring childcare is a solution rather than a financial and emotional challenge for families.”

Chloe and her team understand that finding daycare that is accessible, affordable and reliable can be a challenge for families. The size of the new Buffalo Run location, combined with the variety of programs and expertise of staff ensure that families will be able to access the childcare they need at Wee Wild Ones.

It will be the fifth Wee Wild Ones located in Calgary and surrounding area offering experienced, affordable, and individualized childcare solutions in line with Alberta’s Universal Childcare funding. They provide part time and full time care to children ages six months to six years, with programs including:

• Daycare
• Before-and-after school care
• Preschool
• Kindergarten
• Seasonal camps

Offering care to children as young as six months old, Wee Wild Ones provides a crucial service to families in the community, ensuring parents can return to work while their child receives excellent care.

Their team fosters healthy minds and healthy bodies through nutritious menus, including vegetarian options and allergen-friendly accommodations, and they even provide a "Wee Wild Ones Recipe Book" of vegetarian recipes that can be downloaded online.

Their team shares, “We believe that food should not only nourish the body but also feed one's imagination. A nutritious and balanced diet is a foundation for healthy growth and development. We do not take for granted the time children spend in child care and the role we play in shaping children’s eating habits.”

Dedicated to sustainability practices, Wee Wild Ones has implemented a no-single-use serve ware or paper towel policy and a company-wide cloth diapering program. This reduces the ecological footprint of each child and teaches them about the importance of sustainability and environmental care from a young age. Their unique approach to learning sets their facility apart, and complements Taza’s goal for sustainability, connection and generational growth.

Childcare for All – Serving Buffalo Run and Surrounding Areas

With limited childcare options in the immediate surrounding areas, Wee Wild Ones is a welcome addition to The Shops at Buffalo Run. With future residential expansion planned for Taza, Wee Wild Ones will play a significant role in addressing demand for child care while supporting future generations through inquiry-based learning and encouragement. Families will be able to access adequate and affordable childcare, improving their quality of life and reducing the stress of securing care. Parents will be able to rest easy knowing their children are supported by the highly capable, caring and educated team at Wee Wild Ones.

Elder Charlie Crowchild and Dave Meguinis recently welcomed Wee Wild Ones to Tsuut’ina Nation and The Shops at Buffalo Run with a private blessing for their opening ceremony. It was attended by Wee Wild Ones’ staff members, and marks the beginning of a meaningful relationship between the childcare facility and surrounding community.

At Taza, we believe that what we do today matters and impacts the future. Wee Wild Ones shares our vision for a community that is inclusive and sustainable for generations to come.

Integration of Tsuut’ina Nation Art & Culture

Wee Wild Ones has nurtured their connection to the Tsuut’ina Nation community through collaboration with local businesses and artists. Their sign at the Buffalo Run location includes the Dene words for "Wee Wild Ones", which they worked with the Tsuut'ina Gunaha Insititute to help translate. The new facility also features an original mural by Tsuut’ina Nation’s Stephanie One Spot. The piece celebrates the connection between Tsuut’ina Nation and Wee Wild Ones and shares a story of community. One Spot explains:

“When you walk into the Wee Wild Ones building and see my mural, you step into a space that embodies community.

The tipis (Kuwa) symbolize family, providing a sense of home and connection. At the bottom of the mural, the buffalo (Xanitii) lead the way, symbolizing protection and guidance on our journey. The ducks represent nurturement, nature and a healthy ecosystem, reflecting the environment around us.

I wanted the constellations to be seen in the skyline as a representation of our stories. As oral storytellers, our stories have historically aided our survival, impacted learned behaviours, and developed cautionary tales, cycles and ceremonies. Including the constellations was important to me because, as children, we need that sense of awe, imagination and inspiration found in stories.”

One Spot uses her work to express curiosity, share stories and preserve Tsuut’ina Nation culture. Her mural is a fitting backdrop for Wee Wild Ones, who advocate for childhood curiosity and expression and believe that art is an important aspect of the organization’s inquiry-based learning model. Not only is art a significant aspect of Tsuut’ina culture, but it is influential in childhood development, making this collaboration a harmonious blend of cultural enrichment and educational growth. This is one of many murals completed by Tsuut’ina Nation artists that can be discovered throughout Taza.

Stephanie One Spot is an emerging artist and recent graduate of AUarts. Through the AUarts program, Stephanie connected with other amazing Indigenous artists and formed The Land Holds Us Collective, which creates opportunities for Indigenous artists in Calgary and surrounding areas. She is the lead artist consultant for the Taza Cultural Committee and a Trustee on the Tsuut’ina Board of Education Nation. To see more of One Spot’s work or inquire about commission work, visit her website or reach out at [email protected].

Experience Wee Wild Ones With a Private Tour

Wee Wild Ones Buffalo Run is now accepting waitlist applications as it opens its doors to the community. Their team is welcoming families to book a private tour to see the new space and learn more about their unique programs. Visit their website or call 403-926-5469 to book a facility tour and explore this welcome addition to Taza.

Stay up to date on new tenants, art installations and community events by joining our online community, and following Taza on social media.

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