Mississippi Mills Child Care Centre
Mississippi Mills Child Care Centre is a new 151-child facility supporting affordable early learning and care for children ages 0–4. Designed and built in partnership with Chandos Construction, the centre creates a strong connection to nature through sustainable practices, natural materials, and playful spaces that encourage exploration and discovery.
A key design feature is the building’s U-shaped form, which shelters the infant play yard while maximizing natural light throughout the centre. Windows are strategically positioned to bring daylight and views of planting and outdoor play areas into every space. Through collaboration with educators, operators, and the landscape architect, the design balances inviting, functional environments with opportunities for play and exploration both indoors and out.
Inside the classrooms, natural light highlights birch and maple cabinetry and brings warmth to durable, nature-inspired materials. Each age group is identified by a distinct colour and tree species, creating an intuitive way for children to confidently navigate their classrooms, cubbies, and learning spaces.
At the heart of the building, the Gross Motor Room provides a shared space for active play and imagination beyond the classrooms. A soft blue “river” leads to a large maple “tree” beneath a floating, light-filled canopy, creating an immersive play environment inspired by the natural world.
The Child Care Centre was designed and built with sustainable practices with the goal of achieving LEED Silver certification, reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility and healthy, nature-connected learning environments.