A joyful place to begin

Big wonder for little learners.

Light Olives is a warm, play-based space where children feel safe to explore, create, connect, and grow into themselves.

Caring educators Safe, happy spaces Learning through play
Children enjoying a learning activity at Light Olives
For growing hearts & mindsAges 0–4 years

Hi, parents! A bright start is closer than you think.

Explore our locations

A lovely place to be little

Every day is made for discovering.

We pair enriching early learning with the patience, gentleness, and encouragement children need to blossom at their own pace.

Belonging

Children are welcomed, known, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Curiosity

Open-ended play turns everyday questions into meaningful learning.

Expression

Art, stories, movement, and music give every child a voice.

Well-being

Thoughtful routines and nurturing relationships help children thrive.

Find their happy place

Made for every little stage.

From first cuddles to first big ideas, our programs meet children with warmth, wonder, and room to grow.

0–18 months

Infants

Gentle care, sensory exploration, and responsive routines for your baby’s earliest days.

Explore their world

18 months–2.5 years

Toddlers

Busy hands, brave tries, and big discoveries in a room built for curious movers.

Explore their world

2.5–4 years

Preschool

Playful inquiry and growing independence to help children feel ready for what’s next.

Explore their world
Children enjoying a playful learning experience
Children smiling at Light Olives
Play is powerful.It is how little minds make sense of a big world.

Our approach

Confident kids start with a feeling of belonging.

At Light Olives, children learn through play, relationships, and experiences that invite them to wonder. Our approach is guided by Ontario’s How Does Learning Happen? framework and grounded in genuine care for every family.

  • Qualified RECE educators
  • Child-centred, inclusive learning
  • Safe spaces made for joyful play
See our approach

For peace of mind

Care you can feel good about.

Children need a place that feels exciting to them and reassuring to you. That’s why safety, communication, and thoughtful care stay at the heart of every day.

Safe & secureThoughtful systems, routines, and supervision.

Family partnershipClear, caring communication at every step.

Joyful daysLittle moments worth talking about at home.

A little reassurance

Good questions deserve good answers.

A few helpful details to make your first conversation with Light Olives feel easy.

See all FAQs

Light Olives Childcare Center has locations in Port Colborne and Stirling-Rawdon. We welcome infants (birth–18 months), toddlers (18 months–2.5 years), and preschoolers (2.5–4 years). Each location opens for care after its Ministry of Education licence has been issued.

Our standard hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Extended care may be offered where there is sufficient family need and it can be sustainably staffed; please confirm availability with the Site Supervisor.

Complete the Join Waiting List form on our website. There is no fee to join, and joining does not guarantee a space. Families are contacted when a suitable space may become available.

Yes. Port Colborne families apply through Niagara Region, while Stirling-Rawdon families apply through Hastings County Children's Services. Eligibility is determined by the applicable service system manager.