As students head back to school this September, West End Daycare is also settling into a new routine after a lively and successful summer season. Director Janice Delf says the centre was "fully utilized" during the break, with a notable increase in school-aged children.
"We had a very busy summer," said Delf. "We got to be outside lots. We had lots of fun, lots of excursions outside of the centre fun days of water play, theme weeks, so lots of fun overall."
While some children moved on to other programs, many were able to enjoy one last summer at the centre. But perhaps the biggest change came not from the kids, but from the building itself.
Thanks to a Storefront Improvement Grant and dedicated fundraising, West End Daycare underwent a major facelift this summer, including a fresh coat of paint and a complete overhaul of its front playground.
"The existing structure, which has been here for a very long time, definitely needed to be replaced," Delf explained. "We did want to keep the red slide, though; it's kind of a landmark for West End. Everyone recognizes our building with, 'Oh, you're the ones with the red slide outside.' So, we incorporated that into the new structure."
The new playground now features a climbing wall, a canoe area, picnic tables, a grassy seating patch, and the centrepiece: a massive platform swing that has quickly become a favourite among the kids.
"The front yard is very popular right now," said Delf. "I would say the highlight is the swing. Most often, at least four to five kids can actually fit on it; that's how large it is."
With the front and back yards now updated, the daycare is already looking ahead to their next project: upgrading the side yard between the centre and the adjacent gas station.
As September unfolds, Delf says staff and children alike are adapting well to the seasonal shift.
"Fall is kind of a reset for everyone," she said. "Staff get excited about meeting new children... it's a fun time."
West End Daycare remains an evolving part of the Portage la Prairie childcare community, and with more upgrades on the horizon, it’s clear they're not slowing down any time soon.